Housing Specialist (45025)
Care For the Homeless, New York, NY, United States
CFH is seeking a Housing Specialist for its Shelter operated under contract with the New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS). As a contract agency, the Shelter reports to DHS and is subject to inspections and audits by DHS, the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, and the Coalition for the Homeless of New York City.
Summary Managing and directing a comprehensive program of support, safety and success for residents that include housing, counseling, benefit entitlements, program placement, health and educational programs and comprehensive case management.
Responsibilities
Conduct fieldwork to outreach and identify new housing resources.
Develop and maintain linkages with brokers, landlords, real estate companies, and management offices that lead to housing placements.
Facilitate appointments and accompany residents to apartment viewings, including using public transportation when necessary.
Conduct housing inspections and complete/collect pre‑clearance forms for clients approved for apartments.
Work with brokers/landlords to obtain required documentation for completing subsidy packages.
Meet residents regularly (biweekly, monthly, etc.) to assess, update, and schedule housing viewing opportunities.
Maintain up‑to‑date housing case notes based on meetings with residents; enter all notes into CARES/HOME.
Assist clients with completing housing applications through NYC Housing Connect and other identified application portals.
Work closely with the social service team, DHS, and HRA to expedite placements and make recommendations for successful moves.
Assist the Director of Social Services and Shelter Director to ensure performance objectives, including placement goals for the number of residents rehoused, are met.
Work with all DHS and HRA staff to ensure client housing needs are addressed in a timely and thoughtful manner.
Be responsible for completing and submitting HRA‑2010E applications.
Coordinate housing contracts, referrals, and follow‑up to service providers, including but not limited to DHS.
Adhere to DHS timeframes for permanent housing placements.
Attend required DHS meetings.
Work flexible hours to meet client needs (e.g., two or more late nights as required).
Conduct workshops for residents on the housing search, application, and interview process as needed.
Teach residents how to advocate for themselves when seeking permanent housing in the community.
Conduct quarterly workshops for landlords/brokers on housing subsidy changes as needed.
Assist with resident move‑outs, including lifting, loading, and unloading residents’ property.
Assist with shelter audit and compliance, including preparing for state, city, and other inspections (DHS, OTDA, Callahan).
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Social Services and/or Shelter Director.
Qualifications Educational Requirements
Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Experience
Two (2) plus years’ experience working as a housing Specialist, including experience with housing vouchers and entitlements.
Two (2) plus years’ experience working with mentally ill, medically frail, or homeless populations.
Exceptional knowledge of regional housing, supportive housing, Section 8, and other rental assistance programs.
Skill Sets
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Strong PC skills, including Word and Excel.
Languages
Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Summary Managing and directing a comprehensive program of support, safety and success for residents that include housing, counseling, benefit entitlements, program placement, health and educational programs and comprehensive case management.
Responsibilities
Conduct fieldwork to outreach and identify new housing resources.
Develop and maintain linkages with brokers, landlords, real estate companies, and management offices that lead to housing placements.
Facilitate appointments and accompany residents to apartment viewings, including using public transportation when necessary.
Conduct housing inspections and complete/collect pre‑clearance forms for clients approved for apartments.
Work with brokers/landlords to obtain required documentation for completing subsidy packages.
Meet residents regularly (biweekly, monthly, etc.) to assess, update, and schedule housing viewing opportunities.
Maintain up‑to‑date housing case notes based on meetings with residents; enter all notes into CARES/HOME.
Assist clients with completing housing applications through NYC Housing Connect and other identified application portals.
Work closely with the social service team, DHS, and HRA to expedite placements and make recommendations for successful moves.
Assist the Director of Social Services and Shelter Director to ensure performance objectives, including placement goals for the number of residents rehoused, are met.
Work with all DHS and HRA staff to ensure client housing needs are addressed in a timely and thoughtful manner.
Be responsible for completing and submitting HRA‑2010E applications.
Coordinate housing contracts, referrals, and follow‑up to service providers, including but not limited to DHS.
Adhere to DHS timeframes for permanent housing placements.
Attend required DHS meetings.
Work flexible hours to meet client needs (e.g., two or more late nights as required).
Conduct workshops for residents on the housing search, application, and interview process as needed.
Teach residents how to advocate for themselves when seeking permanent housing in the community.
Conduct quarterly workshops for landlords/brokers on housing subsidy changes as needed.
Assist with resident move‑outs, including lifting, loading, and unloading residents’ property.
Assist with shelter audit and compliance, including preparing for state, city, and other inspections (DHS, OTDA, Callahan).
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Social Services and/or Shelter Director.
Qualifications Educational Requirements
Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Experience
Two (2) plus years’ experience working as a housing Specialist, including experience with housing vouchers and entitlements.
Two (2) plus years’ experience working with mentally ill, medically frail, or homeless populations.
Exceptional knowledge of regional housing, supportive housing, Section 8, and other rental assistance programs.
Skill Sets
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Strong PC skills, including Word and Excel.
Languages
Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred.
#J-18808-Ljbffr